Bridge construction



sept. 21', 1943.- s. me;

y BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION Filed Sept. 22, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet l u m .FW Tw. bw .NN m W4 Tv um WN n wm @N ,Z w Ew mm ww\ /h w R www i f 4 f \\k\\\ A. 0 @A \E\ MM.. 0 m* Mb Wm m M lmldnmN. H KM wh K nm ...0,\ .m MW MR hb .ab M u l Il III l w v m\ l D n D R 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Sept. 21, 1943. s. RICCI BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION Filed Sept. v22, 1941 spfn 21, 1943. s. mq., 2,330,146

BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION F11-'ed sept. 22, 1941 4 sheets-sheet 3 Se cando .Rz'aoz' Sept. 21, 1943. s. Ricci @RIDGEQNsTRUGTION 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed sept. 2z, 1941 Seann/0 R Patented Sept. 2l, 1943- UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION Secondo Ricci, Mishiwaka, Ind.

Application September 22, 1941, Serial No. 411,919

8 Claims.

This invention relates to bridge constructions.

An object of this invention is to provide an improved bridge structure which may be used in either a toy or a full size bridge structure wherein the bridge is constructed of interengaging and interlocking sections. y

Another object of this invention is to provide a bridge of the span type which is constructed in interengaging and interlocking sections wherein the intermediate piers or supporting elements are eliminated.

A further object of this 'invention is to provide a bridge structure of this kind which includes opposed pairs of'bridgeheads or abutments from which the span is adapted to extend so that the bridge may be positioned across gulleys, or the like of varying depths. 4

A further object of this invention is to provide a bridge structure of this kind which, when constructed in the form of a toy may be made out of wood or the like and maybe readily put together and taken apart by a child.

A further object of this invention is to provide in a bridge structure of this kind, improved interengaging and interlocking bridge sections which may be constructed in separable units so that the completed bridge may be of any desired length.

A further object of this invention is to provide `a bridge structure of this kind which, when completed will be sufliciently strong to withstand the desired load, and which may be formed from either one or both sides of a gulley, depression, or the like, the separate units forming the bridge being of such construction that they may be manufactured in fabricated form for quick assembly at the desired location.

A further object of this invention is to provide in a lbridge construction of this kind improved key elements which are adapted to be positioned in the center of the span for locking the opposed bridge sections together at the center of the bridge structure.

A further object of this invention is to provide in a bridge structure of this kind a plurality of span forming elements which may be connected together without the use of bolts, rivets, or the like, the bridge construction including upper rails engaging over the lower interengaging units which serve as a reinforcing means for the several units in addition to serving as side rails for the bridge above the floor thereof.

To the foregoing objects and others which may hereinafter appear, the invention consists of the novel construction, combination and arrangement of parts as will be more specifically referred structed according to an embodiment of this invention,

Figure 2 is a detail side elevation of the bridge structure, a

Figure 3 is a fragmentary longitudinal section of the bridge,

Figure 4 is a fragmentary horizontal section taken longitudinally through one side portion of the bridge, on line 4 4 of Figure 2,

Figure 5 is a sectional View taken on the line 5-5 of Figure 2,

Figure 6 is a perspective view of one of the n locking key elements used with this bridge structure,

Figure 6A is a perspective view of the bridge unit disposed at one side of the key shown in Figure 6,

Figure 7 is a fragmentary perspective view looking from the bottom of the inner end portion of one of the rails,

Figure 7A is a fragmentary perspective view of one end of the rail key,

Figure 7B is a fragmentary perspective view looking from the bottom of the outer end of one of the rails,

Figure 8 is a detail top plan partly broken away and in section of a modified form of this bridge structure without the railing structure,

Figure 9 is a sectional view taken on the line 9-9 of Figure 8,

Figure 10 is a fragmentary side elevation partly broken away, and in section, of the central portion of the bridge shown in Figure 8,

Figure 11 is a. fragmentary sectional view taken on the line II-Il of Figure 10,

Figure 12 is a. fragmentary perspective view of I the key unit associated with the bridge structure shown in Figure 8,

Figure 12A is a fragmentary perspective view of the bridge unit next to the key unit, Figure 12B is a fragmentary perspective view of one of the interlocking intermediate bridge units, and

Figure 12C is a fragmentary perspective view of one of the intermediate bridge units.

Referring to the drawings, and first to Figs. 1 to 7A inclusive, the numerals i5 and I6 designate a pair of bridgeheads or abutments which are adapted to be positioned at one side of a gulley between the pairs of boards or the like.

in spaced apart relation, and may have a portion thereof embedded in the ground for a sufllcient distance, so that when the bridge sections are coupled with the bridgeheads I5 and I6, these bridgeheads will not be tilted by the weight of the span sections. The numerals I1 and I8 also designate a second or opposed pair of bridgeheads or abutments which are adapted to be positioned on the opposite side of the gulley, and which are adapted to have portions thereof embedded in the ground for a suitable distance so that the bridgeheads or abutments I1 and I8 will remain vertical during the construction of the bridge.

The bridge, to bemore specifically described hereinafter, is formed of a single span extending bridgeheads or abutments and in the present instance, the span is formed of a p air of parallel side span forming members I9 and 20. The two span forming members I9 and 20 are of like construction, and each includes a plurality of span forming units to be hereinafter described. The span member I9 is constructed of a pair of outer units 2l and 22 which pocket 23 are adapted to engage in a recess or formed in the two abutments or piers I5 and I1. The units 2i and 22 are of like construction, and each includes upper and lower plates 24 and 25 which are fixed to a vertically disposed web 25.

The plates 24 and 25 are disposed in a substantially horizontal position, and are parallel with each other and the plate 24 constitutes a base` plate or flange whichhas secured to the inner edge thereof a floor supporting flange 21. A plurality of intermediate units 28 are disposed in horizontal alignment with the outer units 2i and 22 and each intermediate unit 28 is constructed of a base flange or plate 28, a top or head flange or plate 30, and a vertically disposed connecting web 3l.` An inwardly projecting floor supportingfiange 32 is formed integral with the inner edge portion of the base flange 28 and is adapted to align with the outer flange 21.

The outer unit 22 is adapted to beconnected with the next adjacent intermediate unit 28 by means of a connecting unit 33. The connecting unit 33 is formed of a central solid body 34 and a pair of parallel outwardly extending spaced apart plates or arms 35 which are adapted yto engage between the two flanges 24 and 25, and also engage on opposite sides of the web 25. The connecting member 33 is also formed at the opposite or inner` end portion thereof with a pair vof' spaced apart parallel arms or locking members 38 which engage between the lower and upper flanges 29 and 30 respectively. and also engage on opposite sides of the connecting web 3I.

An inner unit generally designated as 31 is connected to an innermost key or connecting member 33 and is shown more clearly in Figure 6A. There are two of these inner units 31 which are positioned on opposite sides of the transverse median connecting member 33 is adapted to engage between the two flanges 38 and 39 on opposite sides of the web 40 as shown inFigure 5.

The spansection I9 is formed of a pair of aligned span members generally designated as IS* and |911, each of which is formed of the units and coupling sections hereinbefore described, and adjacent or inner end portions of the span sections I9a and I9b are keyed together by means of a centrally disposed key member generally desig nated as 44. 'I'he key member 44 is shown more clearly in Figure 6, and includes a base flange 45, an upper ange 46 and an intermediate body 41. TheV base ange 45 is formed with an inwardly projecting horizontal flange 48 which is adapted to align with the adjacent oor supporting ange 4I of the innermost units 31.

The key member .44 is formed at each end thereof with an interlocking tongue or web 49 which extends outwardly from the base flange 45 and from the body 41. The tongue 49 is adapted to engagebetween .the adjacent arms of the innermost connecting member 33, the arms unit 22. .The two beams 5I may be used as coun- Y of which are substantially longer than the web 40 as shown in Figure 4. The upper ange 44 is substantially longer than the lower flange 45, and the webs or locking members 43are disposed in substantially dependent relation to the outer p0rtions of the upper flange 48.

The abutments or supporting posts I1 and I3 are formed with an opening 50 extending outwardly from the socket or recess 23, and a beam 5| is adapted to engage in the opening 5I). and is formed at its inner end with a pair of spaced apart parallel arms 52 which are adapted to engage on opposite sides of the web 28 of the outer terbalancing means, and if desired. similar beams mag b: associated with the postsor abutments I5 an The two span elements I9 and 25 are adapted to have connected therewith pairs of rail forming and unit reinforcing members generally designated as 53. The rail forming members 53 comprise a vertically disposed web 54 and a top rail 55. The rail 55 is of T-shape in transverse of the span member I3. Each inner unit 31 coms prises a base plate or flange 38, and an upper or top flange or plate 33 which is substantially shorter in length than the base plate or flange 38 and which is connected to the lower or base flange 38 by means of a connecting web 40. The base flange 38 is also formed at its inner side with an inwardly extending flange 4I for supporting iloor The upper flange or plate 39 has secured to the upper surface thereof a substantially inverted T-shaped block 42.

The stem portion 43 of the block 42 comprises an upwardly extending key, the purpose for which will be hereinafter described. The innermost section which has secured to its outer end as shown in Figure 1B a block or body 58 which is formed with an inwardly extending slot or opening 51. A vertically disposed plate 5B is secured to the abutment I1 at its inner side and the plate 58 has secured thereto or formed integral therewith an inwardly projecting vertical flange 53 which is engageable in the opening or keyway 51. The rail 53 at its inner end as shown in Figure 7 also has secured thereto a block B0 formed with a cutout 52 within which the inverted flanged portion of the T-shaped member 42 is adapted to engage. The block 60 is also formed with a downwardly opening and upwardly extending keyway 6I within which the key or stem member 43 is adapted to engage.

A rail locking key generally designated as 63 is interposed between the abutting inner end portions of a pair of rail forming members 53, and comprises a vertically disposed body 64 which may be formed in an ornamental configuration with a portion thereof extending above the tops of the rails 53. The body 54 at each end thereof is formed with a vertically disposed key or flange 55 which is adapted to engage in the keyway 6I of an adjacent rail block SII. The body 64 is also formed with a shoulder or seat 66 inwardly from the key 65 and coplanar with the upper edge of the key 65, so that the projecting adaptedto be supported or key unit generally designated as 92. The lockwhichare of like construction and are disposed in substantial horizontal alignment, the outer end portions of the sections and 1| being seated in openings 12 which are formed in the supporting members 69. The details of construction of the span section 10 are similar in every detail tion 10 comprises an outer unit 13 rwhich is formed of a pair of short connected together by a connecting I-beam 15. `The connecting I-beam 15 is formed adjacent the outer end portions thereof with cutouts 18 within which the inner portionsof the supporting abutments or posts 69 are adapted to engage. The connecting I-beam 15 is substantially smaller in height than the outer I-beams 14, and is welded or otherwise secured at theA opposite or outer end portions thereof to the webs 11 of the beams 14.

A plurality of intermediate span forming units 18 similar to units 13 and shown in detail in Figure 12B extend inwardly from the outer span unit 13. and each intermediate unit 18 is formed of a pair of outer I-beam members 19 which are connected together by a connecting or transversely extending I-beam member 80. r The I-beam member 80 is connected at the opposite ends thereof as shown more clearly in Figure 12B to the web 8| of each I-beam 19. The connecting or transverse I-beam 80 is of such height as to engage between the upper and lower iianges ci the I-bearns 19. The adjacent intermediate span unit 18 and the outer units 13 are connected together by locking units generally` designated as ing unit 92, which is shown moreclearly in'Figures 11 and 12, comprises a pair of outerblocks or bodies 93 formed with oppositely extending spaced Vapart parallel tongues .94v which. are adapted to engage on opposite sides ofthe confronting webs l90 oi the innermost units 85.v The two blocks 93 are connected together as shown in Figure 12 bymeans of a transversely extending I-beam 95 formed-of upper and lower iianges ..95aand 95h respectively which Vare connected to a web 95e and `the lower ends of theA pairs of arms or plates 94 are adapted to engage to the section 1|, and the span vsec- 15 I-beams 14 which are on the lower anges 89 of the -I-beams 88.

The bridge structure shown in Figures 8 to 12C inclusive is adapted to have mounted on 'the outer I-beam members of the several span umts alignedl pairs of rail'forming members 96 which are formedl similar in every 20 forming members 53, and which at their inner adapted to engage.

bridgeheads end portions lare formed with ablock 91 .having a Ykeyway 98 within which thetongues 9| of the inner units88 are adapted to engage, and within which tongues 99 of a rail key member |00 are The rail key member |00 is similar in every detail to the rail key'member 83 shown in Figure 2.

In the assembly of the bridge structure shown in Figures 1 to 7A inclusive, the abutments or I5 to I8 inclusive are adapted to be firmly secured in the desired location. lWhere the bridge structure is a full size bridge,`theabut ments or bridgeheads are adapted to be vembedded at the lower ends in the ground on the opposite sides of a gulley, depression, river, or'the like. Where the bridgel is constructed as a toy, the

v bridgeheads I5 to I8 inclusive may be secured to 82 and shown more clearly in Figure 12C. Each locking unit 83 is constructed oi a transversely extending I-beam 83 vwhichl has iixed to the outer end portions thereof a longitudinal plate 88. The plate 84 is of a height substantially equal to the distance between the upper and lower flanges of the IIC-beams 19 and the I-beams 14, and the opposite ends of the plate 84 are adapted to abutagains't theadjacent transverse I-beams 80 and the outermost III-beams 15.

The I-beams 15 and 80 and the I-beams 83 constitute floor supporting beams upon which floor boards or the like may to provide-a suitable roadway for the bridge structure. At the inner end portion of each unit 10 and 1| there is positioned an inner unit generally designated as constructed of a pair of outer I-beam members 86 which are connected together by a transversely extending I-beam 81. The I-beam 81 is of a height substantially equal to the distance between the upper and lower flanges of the I-beam 86, and preferably the upper iiange 88 is substany central locking unit as will be hereinafter described, The inner or confronting end portions of the span sections 10 and 1I are connected or vlocked together by a'centraily disposed locking be mounted; in order is adapted to be connected with aA 85. The inner unit 85 is a suitable base board or the like. The outermost span forming units 2I and- 22 are initially inserted in the openings or sockets 23 of theV .abutments or bridgeheads and the connecting key members 33 may then be secured to the outermost units 2| and 22. The next orv intermediate units 28 may then be `connected with the connecting members 33 until the bridge structure is built up to the centra1 portion thereof. The innermost pairs of span forming units 31 are connected with the innermost pairs of connecting members or keys l33, and then the medial key members 44 may be connected with the innermost pairs of span forming units 31.

The pairs of rails and reinforcing members 53 may then be placedon top of the side sections |9 and 20, the rail key members 63 being placed in position over the key members 44, so

that when the rails and reinforcing members 53' are ulowered in position these rail members 53 will engage the keys or iianges 65 of the rail key members 63. The outer ends of the bridge may have the beam members 5|I positioned in the openings 50 of the abutments, and where the bridge is constructed as a toy, the outer beam members 5| may constitute handles for lifting the completed bridge structure.

The bridge structure shown in Figures 8 to 12C inclusive is assembled by initially placing the abutments or bridgeheads 69 ina desired location, and then building the span 88 by initially inserting the outermost span section 13 Into the openings 12 of the abutments or bridgeheads, in-

serting the locking members 82 in the inner end portions of the outer units 13, and then mountingLthe next intermediate units 18 on the plates 88 of the connecting or locking units 82. The innermost pair of span units are mounted on the detail to the railrv initially innermost pair of locking or connecting units 82, and then the central key or locking member 92 is inserted in position for engagement with the tongues 90 of the units 85. The rail key |00 may then be placed over the top of the door unit member 92 and the opposed rails 96 connected with the key members 9| of the innermost pairs of units 85, and alsowith the key 99 of the central rail key member |00. A

Where these two bridge constructions are formed as toys for children, the several sections and units may be constructed out of wood, so as to provide a relatively. light weight bridge structure which may be readily handled by a child.

What I claim is:

1. A bridge'comprising opposed pair of abutmentseach formed with an opening in the inner side thereof, outer I-beam sections seated at their outer ends in said openings, intermediate I-beam sections disposed in alignmentwith said outer I-beam sections, interengaging locking units for said outer and intermediate sections, said locking units engaging between the upper and lower iianges of said outer and intermediate umts, an

inner pair of I-beam units, and a central key between. said inner units, all of said bridge elements being adapted to be interlocked to form a load sustaining bridge without the use of any fastener means such as bolts, rivets or the like.

2. A bridge comprising opposed pair of abutments each formed with an opening in the inner side thereof, outer I-beam sections seated at their outer ends in said openings, intermediate I-beam sections disposed in alignment with said outer I- beam sections, interengaging locking units for said outer and intermediate sections, said locking units engaging between the upper and lower flanges of said outer and intermediate units, an inner pair of I-bea-m units, and a central key between said inner units, said central key having T-shaped opposite end portions, and the inner-l most pair of locking units being of such length as to be disposed in a position for engagement with the `inner I-beam members and also said central key members, all of said bridge elements being adapted to be interlocked to form a load sustaining bridge without the use of any fastener means such as bolts, rivets or the like.

3. A bridge comprising a pair of span members, each member comprising aligned I-beam members, and locking members for said I-beam members, each locking member comprising an elongated body and a pair of lengthwise extending spaced arms at each end thereof, said arms engaging on opposite sides of the webs of said I-beam vmembers and between the upper and lower flanges of the latter, all of said bridge elements being adapted to be interlocked to form a load sustaining bridge without the use of any fastener means such as bolts, rivets or the like.

4. A bridge comprising a pair of span members, each member comprising aligned I-beam members, and locking members for said I-bearn members, each locking member comprising an elongated body and a pair of lengthwise extending spaced arms at each end thereof, said arms engaging on opposite sides of the webs of said I-beam members and between the upper and lower flanges of the latter, each I-beam member including an inner door supporting flange integral with the lower flange thereof, all of said bridge elements being adapted to be interlocked to form a load sustaining bridge without the use of any fastener means such as bolts, rivets or the lower flanges of the latter, each I-beam member including an inner floor supporting flange integral with the lowerilange thereof, a pair of elongated rails and reinforcing members extending lengthwise of said I-beam members and resting on the upper surfaces thereof, upwardly projecting key members carried by certain of said I-beam members, said rails having keyways to receive said key members, and a central locking key member between the inner ends of said rails,

all of said bridge elements being adapted to be interlocked to form a load sustaining bridge without the use of any fastener means such as bolts, rivets or the like.

6. A bridge comprising a single span formed of a plurality of span forming units, each unit comprising a pair of spaced apart parallel I- beam members and` a transversely extending I- beam xed to and connecting said pair of I-beam members together, and means for locking said units together, said means including a pair of vertical plates engageable on the inner sides of the webs of adjacent pairs' of I-beam members and a transverse connecting beam fixed to said plates between the ends thereof, all of said bridge elements being adapted to be interlocked to form a load sustaining bridge without the use of any fastener means such as bolts, rivets or the like.

1. A bridge comprising a single span formed of a plurality of span forming units, each unit comprising a pair of spaced apart parallel I-beam members, and a transverse beam fixed to said pair of I-beam members between the ends of the latter, a locking unit between adjacent aligned units, each locking unit including a pair of spaced plates positionable between the upper and lower flanges of said I-beam members and against the inner faces of the webs thereof and a transverse beam connecting said plates together, said first and second transverse beams constituting a floor supporting means, all of said bridge elements being adapted to be interlocked to form a load sustaining bridge without the use of any fastener means such as bolts, rivets or the like.

8. A bridge comprising spaced apart pairs of abutments formed with openings in their inner sides, and a single span engaging in said openings and formed of a plurality of span forming units, each unit comprising a pair of spaced apart parallel I-beam members and a transverse beam fixed to said pair of I-beam members between the ends of the latter, a locking unit between adjacent aligned units, each locking unit including a pair of spaced plates positionable between the upper and lower flanges of said I-beam members and against the inner faces of the webs thereof and a transverse beam connecting said plates together, said first and second transverse beams constituting a floor supporting means, all oi said bridge elements being adapted to be interlocked to form a load sustaining bridge without the use of any fastener means such as bolts, rivets or the like.

SECONDO RICCI. 

